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What Not to do During a Bee Swarm

What Not to do During a Bee Swarm

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Blog, Pests

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING A BEE SWARM

A single beehive can house up to 20,000 to 80,000 bees at a time, but what happens when it reaches capacity? Many bees are sent away to look for a new home. Also known as a bee swarm, we’ve prepared some tips on what to avoid doing to stay safe when you encounter this unusually large number of bees.

What questions will this article answer?

What is a bee swarm?

As tiny experts in pollinating plants, bees are no doubt a very important part of our planet. They live in beehives which can house between 20,000 to 80,000 bees at a time, so it’s no surprise that overcrowding can eventually become a big problem for the colony.

With limited space to raise their young and store honey, worker bees spend around a month preparing for a swarm. The aim of the swarm is to support the current colony and allow it to continue growing.

There are 3 types of bee swarms: primary and secondary swarms, as well as absconding.

During a swarm, a significant number of bees say farewell to their hive to start a fresh colony elsewhere. In primary swarms, the resident Queen bee is escorted to a new hive with around half of the colony. A smaller secondary swarm may follow later, where one more new Queen bee will exit. If the entire colony leaves due to extreme circumstances such as disease, this is known as absconding.

Once a swarm departs the hive, it will travel to a spot that is determined to be safe and suitable as a home by scout bees. Worker bees will then begin the important job of building a brand new hive.

Are bee swarms dangerous?

Although it can be scary to see many bees flying around, you can rest assured that swarming behaviour is not considered aggressive at all. In fact, swarming bees are quite docile with no hive to defend. They usually feast on honey and nectar before leaving the hive to fuel them during their long journey, so they’re not searching or competing for food, either.

While it’s natural to assume that bees will sting you if you get too close, bee swarmers just want to move into their new home as quickly as possible. Long story short: if you don’t disturb them, it’s unlikely that they’ll sting!

However, this is often easier said than done. A swarm of bees can trigger anxiety in many people, and combined with a lack of understanding about bee behaviour, our panicked reactions can agitate bees. This can be particularly concerning when children and pets are in the area, as bee stings are painful and can even trigger allergies.

If you’re seeing more bees around than usual, keep well away from them, stay indoors and reach out to Allstate for advice as soon as possible.

Avoid getting stung by a bee swarm, speak to an expert today

or

8371 1277

Warning signs of a bee swarm

Given that spring is peak breeding season for bees, it’s more common to see swarming during the warmer months. You’ll want to pay attention to any unusual bee activity in your yard around this time of year to avoid a summer outbreak!

The most obvious way to tell if you’re about to experience a bee swarm is that you notice more bees around your home. You may even hear their distracting buzzing noises before you see them.

You’ll most likely see them buzzing between flowering plants in your garden and lingering around certain parts of your building to build their new hive. Pay attention to potential entry points inside your roof and walls as these are popular nesting sites.

If there are established beehives nearby, there is always a risk that a swarm could approach your property, so be on the look out.

What not to do during a bee swarm

You don’t need to be a professional beekeeper to protect yourself and your family when you have a bee outbreak on your hands. Here’s a list of things to avoid to stay safe during a swarm:

Do not panic
While it’s completely understandable that your first reaction to experiencing a bee swarm is to feel anxious, we strongly recommend not acting on this. Stay calm if possible.

Do not try to move the swarm yourself
Hosing bees with water or sprinklers, swatting and throwing stones will not deter a swarm away from your yard. Instead, bees will become aggressive and sting if they believe that they are in danger, particularly if they are trying to protect their Queen.

Do not create sudden movement
This can be perceived as a threat and aggravate the swarm.

Do not go outdoors
Move your children and pets indoors until the swarm has moved away from your yard, or clustered a safe distance away. This may take up to 30 minutes.

Do not go barefoot
To protect yourself from the sting of fallen bees, wear appropriate footwear.

If you have a bee swarm, it can be hard to figure out what to do when you’re feeling stressed. The best action that you can take is to contact Allstate straight away for professional advice and calm reassurance.

Need expert bee advice? Call us today

or

8371 1277

How to prevent a bee swarm in your yard

Here are our simple tips to making your property less prone to bees this spring:

Remove food and water sources

Bees mainly feed on nectar and pollen, but some species will eat meat, dairy products, fungi and flower-based oils. So keep food items covered where possible, including pet water bowls.

Choose your flowering plants carefully

Bees are attracted to bright coloured blue, purple and violet flowers with a pleasant sweet scent, so having less of these around will make your garden far less appealing. They are unable to see red flowers, such as tulips, making them a better choice.

Bee deterring plants

Some plants emit an unpleasant smell for bees and can assist in keeping them away from your garden. These include mint, eucalyptus, basil, geranium, lemongrass, neem, marigold and citronella.

Ultrasonic deterrents

You can consider purchasing electronic devices which emit sound waves outside the spectrum of human hearing. Bee antennae are sensitive to these ultrasonic sound waves, which cause confusion.

Keep safe from bee swarms, speak to our expert team

or

8371 1277

Professional bee management

When it comes to bee handling, it’s best to leave it to the experts who have extensive training in bee behaviour and species, as well as the right equipment and protective clothing.

Above all, our handlers refrain from causing harm to the bees and prefer to safely relocate the hive to an appropriate location where possible.

If there is a severe outbreak or a significant health risk to you or your family, we will initiate treatment by applying an insecticide control dust.

For safe and humane bee control, choose Allstate

Heading into the warmer weather, the last thing you need is a bee swarm when you and your family want to relax in the backyard. There’s no need to worry, though – Allstate is always ready to help!

Since 1986, we’ve provided reliable and effective pest control services to residential, commercial and industrial clients. Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide for urgent advice, our highly trained and fully equipped technicians can recognise and safely manage bee swarms with minimal impact on the bee population.

With payment plans available on all our services, you can have fast, yet long-lasting solutions to all bee swarms that settle on your property.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

Your Guide To Winter Pests

Your Guide To Winter Pests

by | Jul 5, 2024 | Blog, Pests

So, pests aren’t usually a problem in winter, right? Unfortunately not. Just like people, pests such as rodents, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and silverfish look for warm places to nest and hibernate. Continue reading to learn more about how to avoid these frustrating winter pests.

What questions will this article answer?

Why pests are a problem in winter

As the mercury plummets, the cold weather makes your home a warm and safe place to shelter from the harsh elements. With the ability to squeeze through tiny access points inside your home, pests such as rodents, spiders, ants, silverfish and cockroaches can find hiding spots to nest and breed. Before you know it, you could have an outbreak on your hands, unless you act fast!

Rodents

Rodent plagues have been dreaded for centuries, and these clever pests are famous for spreading diseases and contaminating clean places by carrying germs in their fur and droppings. With constantly growing teeth, they’ll happily chew through almost anything that they encounter, from electrical cables to walls, while raiding your kitchen pantry as you sleep!

Signs of a rodent infestation

  • You notice them running around, especially after dark
  • Dark brown to black droppings shaped like rice grains
  • Scurrying, scratching and squeaking sounds above your ceiling at night
  • A musty odour
  • Partially eaten food and crumbs scattered around the floor
  • Gnaw marks on walls, doors, timber, pipes, furniture and cables

Rodent treatment

We use physical rodent traps of different sizes, with larger ones for rats and smaller ones for mice, as well as rodenticide-laced baits for long-lasting rodent management.

For fast rodent control, speak to an expert today

or

8371 1277

Spiders

Often found hiding in less frequented areas, spiders weave sticky cobwebs which are both messy and unhygienic, making housekeeping a hassle. Although most are harmless, some suburban spider species such as redback and funnel web spiders have venomous bites that you’ll definitely want to avoid.

How to spot a spider problem

  • You’re seeing more spiders crawling around than usual
  • There are spider webs visible on the ceilings, walls, and corners of rooms
  • You spot spider burrows in your yard; underneath soil or leaf or compost piles
  • You notice rounded egg sacs wrapped in webbing

Spider management

We use targeted insecticide spray and control dust sprinkled into gaps and crevices to treat spider problems quickly and effectively.

Ants

Though they are more commonly seen marching in summer, ants will seek shelter in warm places such as your home to hibernate in winter. From your benchtops to your rubbish bins and toilets, ants can spread disease and contaminate food and surfaces around your home when foraging for food. They’re also known for painful bites which can trigger allergies in both pets and people alike.

Spotting an ant infestation

  • You see many ants marching along well-defined trails
  • Look for mounds of raised dirt and soil with an entry point to an underground ant nest in your yard
  • Carpenter ants can tunnel through wooden structures, leaving signs of damage such as holes as well as discarded wood shavings on the floor
  • Fire ants cause damage to plants in your garden

Ant control

At Allstate, we apply ant insecticide spray and ant control dust to affected areas, as well as chemical baits for long-term treatment.

Cockroaches

Small, fast and highly adaptable to their environment ,cockroaches scavenge for food in both clean and unsanitary places, making them masters at spreading nasty germs and diseases. They’re known to cause illnesses such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, cholera and dysentery.

Telltale signs of a cockroach outbreak

  • You’re noticing more cockroaches scurrying around
  • Black granular droppings
  • Black-brown egg capsules
  • Moulted skins

Cockroach treatment

At Allstate, we use a combination of cockroach insecticide, gel baits and control dust, depending on the severity of your outbreak, to make sure the problem is treated as quickly as possible.

Protect your home from cockroaches. Speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

Silverfish

With a diet that consists of starchy or saccharide-rich household items, silverfish are the worst houseguests you could have. From grains and cereals in your pantry to fabric items, paper, timber and upholstered furniture, silverfish can live up to six years by simply surviving on your precious belongings

Signs of a silverfish infestation

  • You spot silverfish around your home, particularly at night
  • You notice holes and damage to your clothes, furniture, haberdashery and paper-based products
  • Dark, round, peppercorn-like droppings
  • Moulted skins

Silverfish control

Our pest technicians will use pesticide sprays and fumigation for severe outbreaks , and apply control dust in hard to reach spaces such as wall cavities to effectively manage a silverfish problem.

DIY tips for preventing pest outbreaks this winter

Avoiding the nuisance of a pest outbreak when the mercury drops doesn’t have to be hard. We recommend taking the following simple steps to keep the pests out, and the heat inside this winter:

  • Reduce available food sources and hiding spots
  • Remove unnecessary clutter such as boxes, stacks of paper and laundry
  • Conduct regular yard maintenance by keeping plants well-trimmed and away from your house. Dispose of fallen fruit and remove pet waste and piles of organic matter
  • Keep food tightly stored away including pet food and water bowls
  • Keep the kitchen clean by wiping away spills, grease and food crumbs. Disinfect surfaces and clear sinks
  • Keep bins and rubbish tightly sealed with well-fitting lids
  • Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them over with gap filler, waterproof sealants, caulk or expanding foam
  • Cover rainwater tanks and floor vents, install a chimney grate or cap
  • Repair leaking taps, pipes and drains as moisture attracts pests such as cockroaches
  • Diatomaceous earth is silica-based naturally occurring powder; sprinkled around the perimeter of your home, it is effective at physically deterring insects and spiders from entering

For effective winter pest control, choose Allstate

As pests can be a nuisance all year round, there’s sometimes no way to escape an outbreak, even in the depths of winter. However, Allstate is always here to help, no matter the season.

Since 1986, we’ve grown to become one of Adelaide’s largest locally-operated pest control providers.

Available 24/7 for urgent advice, we offer comprehensive pest assessments and innovative solutions for infestations of all sizes in commercial, residential and industrial settings. All our services are covered by competitive warranties and don’t forget to ask us about finance options.

With an emphasis on using treatments that are non-toxic to children, pets and the environment, we’ll safeguard your home from pests throughout winter and beyond.

Our expert team is ready to help you now.

or

8371 1277

Silverfish Proof Your Kitchen and Bathrooms

Silverfish Proof Your Kitchen and Bathrooms

by | Jul 5, 2024 | Blog, Pests

With a life span of 6 years, an attraction to high moisture areas such as bathrooms, and an appetite for kitchen pantry staples, silverfish are certainly not ideal houseguests. In this Hivemind blog, we share our top 7 tips to help you keep silverfish away from your home for good.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are silverfish in my kitchen and bathrooms?

As their name suggests, silverfish are elongated, grey, gold or brown coloured insects with a characteristic scaly appearance and long antennae. Although they rarely grow beyond 2cm long, silverfish can survive without food for months on end, and live for up to 6 years.

However, these tough insects require one key factor to survive: humidity. In your home, this means that areas containing high moisture such as your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry make for ideal nesting places.

With an appetite for sugary, starchy and fabric-based items, silverfish can easily access a smorgasbord of food sources, not just from your kitchen and bathrooms, but all around your home.

What problems can silverfish cause?

While they are thankfully not known for spreading diseases, these creepy crawlies can still cause chaos and disruption in other ways. Here’s how:

Damage to your home

Silverfish will be just as happy raiding your kitchen pantry for grains, cereals, rice and pasta as they are chewing through fabric and paper items. This includes bathroom towels and mats, as well as clothing, photos, books, timber, and even wood-based musical instruments around your home.

Food contamination

For most of us, seeing silverfish crawling around sugary and starchy pantry staples makes them seem far less appetising, and certainly unfit for human consumption.

Allergies

Silverfish droppings and moulted skins can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in some people.

For fast silverfish control, speak to an expert today

or

8371 1277

How to tell if you have a silverfish outbreak

If you’re seeing any of the following signs, your home might be in the midst of a silverfish infestation:

Frequent sightings

If you see more silverfish scurrying around, especially in the evenings, you may have a big silverfish problem brewing.

Damaged clothing and furniture

Look for unexpected and unexplained tears, rips and holes in your clothes and fabric furniture, as well as paper-based items such as books or photos.

Droppings

Resembling very small, black peppercorns, silverfish droppings can sometimes be mistaken for dust.

Moulted skins

Typically shedding their outer skins around 30 times a year, you may notice an accumulation of these delicate, translucent layers discarded throughout your home.

How to prevent silverfish in your kitchen and bathrooms

If you spot an odd silverfish lurking in your home, there’s likely to be many more hidden away in unsuspected places. Avoid the unpleasant surprise of a silverfish outbreak by following these 7 handy hints:

Tip 1: Remove all sources of moisture

Fix leaking roofs, taps, pipes and drains and reduce humidity levels inside your kitchen, bathrooms and laundry where possible. This might involve buying a dehumidifier or opening some windows. If you notice mouldy or damp areas, be sure to carefully inspect for the presence of silverfish.

Tip 2: Keep your home clean

Regular and thorough sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and mopping in less frequented and hard to reach places can assist with removing eggs. Remember to check behind and underneath furniture, and even steam clean fabric furniture and upholstery.

Tip 3: Store unused fabric and paper items away

Clothes, towels, sheets, blankets and rugs are best stowed away inside wardrobes, closets and drawers, with silverfish-deterring mothballs adding extra protection. Photo albums and books can be stacked in tightly sealed plastic bags and non-cardboard boxes.

Tip 4: Practice proper food storage

Pantry items, especially those which are starch- or sugar-rich, are best kept dry in tightly sealed containers.

Tip 5: Regular yard maintenance

Clothes, towels, sheets, blankets and rugs are best stowed away inside wardrobes, closets and drawers, with silverfish-deterring mothballs adding extra protection. Photo albums and books can be stacked in tightly sealed plastic bags and non-cardboard boxes.

Tip 6: Remove access points

Identifying and sealing over holes, gaps, cracks and crevices will make it more difficult for silverfish to enter your home.

Tip 7: Pesticide sprays

Available at most hardware stores and supermarkets, general pesticide sprays are effective at stopping silverfish in their tracks.

Protect your belongings from silverfish, get expert advice today

or

8371 1277

Professional silverfish management

Once a colony has been established, it can be difficult to manage a silverfish infestation without professional assistance. This is because silverfish lay eggs in easily overlooked tiny cracks and crevices all over your home and belongings.

That’s why at Allstate, our pest technicians are always available for ongoing treatments for persistent and recurring outbreaks when needed. Here are the methods that we use to successfully control silverfish:

Silverfish insecticide sprays

Effective in large areas, a fast-acting aerosol spray can reduce the silverfish population quickly.

Fumigation

A powerful solution for severe infestations, we’ll arrange with you to safely fumigate large, enclosed areas while you, your family and pets are not at home for a specified period of time.

Silverfish control dust

Sprinkled liberally in hard-to-reach spaces such as tiny gaps and wall cavities, diatomaceous earth control dust deters silverfish from accessing these areas to nest and hide their eggs.

Choose Allstate for fast and effective silverfish control

At Allstate, we’ve seen how sneaky silverfish can quietly cause damage and disruption in homes and businesses across town. That’s why we’re available 24/7 for urgent advice and solutions to managing silverfish problems in all suburbs of Adelaide.

Since 1986, Allstate has offered comprehensive pest control services, including innovative and modern silverfish treatments, to residential, commercial and industrial clients alike.

With an emphasis on safety, our pest control methods are always focused on the wellbeing of people, pets and the environment.

We offer payment plans and competitive warranties on all our services, so you can access long-lasting protection from silverfish outbreaks sooner rather than later.

Our expert team is ready to help you now.

or

8371 1277

ARE THE NOISES IN YOUR ROOF POSSUMS OR RODENTS?

ARE THE NOISES IN YOUR ROOF POSSUMS OR RODENTS?

by | Feb 2, 2024 | Pests

ARE THE NOISES IN YOUR ROOF POSSUMS
OR RODENTS?

Are you hearing noises in your roof at night? Chances are, it’s either pesky possums or rodents.

You might never get a chance to see them, but they can make a mess around your home, damage your property and spread germs everywhere.

Avoid losing sleep every night from uninvited guests in your roof by reading through our guide on how to tell whether it’s possums or rodents (or both!).

What questions will this article answer?

Why are there possums and rodents in the roof?

Possums and rodents will enter your roof space as they look for a place to shelter and nest. This can happen all year round, but particularly in winter for rodents, to escape the cold weather

In built up metropolitan areas, there are less trees, so this means that there is more competition for possums for important resources such as food and physical protection, making your roof space a very appealing option.

With rats able to squeeze through tiny openings, and both possums and rats having sensitive noses that can sniff out food sources in your kitchen, it’s often quite easy for them to find their way inside to make a mess and cause a nuisance.

Problems caused by possums and rodents

As nocturnal creatures, possums and rodents are more active just as you and your family are winding down to sleep. Besides being a noisy distraction, they can make a mess around your home or business as they look for food, leaving crumbs and damaged packaging behind.

With their unhygienic scavenging behaviour, possums and rodents can pick up a range of germs and bacteria in their furry coats and spread these around your home, leading to contamination and putting you and your family at risk of falling ill.

They have sharp teeth which can chew or gnaw at your property and belongings, causing expensive damage. At worst, they can chew through insulation and electrical wiring and fixtures, leading to electricity disruption, shock or even a fire hazard.

To make things worse for businesses, having a possum or rodent outbreak can even result in health and safety breaches. This can affect your reputation and turn away clients and customers.

Manage possums and rodents fast. Speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

How to tell the difference between possums and rodents in your roof

Without climbing up to the roof to take a look, it can be tricky to know if you’ve got possums or rodents running around inside your roof. Here are some ways to help you discover which pest is keeping you awake at night:

Noises

Possums usually make hissing, screeching and coughing noises. They may even squeal when they are fighting or mating. Rodents will sound squeakier and more high pitched.

Movement

Since possums are larger and heavier than rodents, they will make louder thudding or even banging sounds as they move around, compared to rodents, which are smaller and lighter, and make scampering or scurrying noises.

Urine odour

Possum urine gives off a strong ammonia-like scent, and left in large puddles. Rodent waste leaves a sour, musty smell behind.

Droppings

Possum droppings are dark coloured, cylindrical shaped, and longer than 15mm. Rodent droppings are similar shaped, resembling black grains of rice, and are smaller on average. Mouse droppings are usually around 3-5mm long and rat droppings can be 12-18mm long.

Gnaw marks

With their continuously growing teeth, rodents are constantly looking for things to chew. You may notice more gnaw marks to walls, electrical cables, pipes and timber structures and various other items with a rodent rather than a possum outbreak.

Nests

Rat nests are constructed from various material scraps such as paper, wood, cardboard and fabric offcuts. Possums prefer to build nests made out of bed down, leaves and insulation, or may not need a nest at all.

How to prevent possum and rodent outbreaks in your roof

We have some simple suggestions for you to possum and rodent proof your roof

Yard maintenance

Reduce access to your home by trimming back overhanging tree branches and foliage that grow near your property. This includes bushes, shrubs and creepers. Remove piles of organic matter.

Seal off entry points

Inspect your building for possible access points on a regular basis and proof them off. Repair all dislodged roof tiles. Install barriers, mesh or screens over water tank openings, vents and chimneys. You can also fit seals around doors and windows.

Repellents

It’s useful having a pet such as a dog or cat, which possums and rodents consider to be predators. However, you can also install motion-sensitive sprinklers and lights to scare them away. With their sensitivity to strong smells, you can also scatter natural deterrents such as mothballs, garlic, essential oils and cassia chips around your yard and building.

Remove food sources from your home and yard

It’s important not to feed the possums and rodents if you want to discourage them from entering your yard. Dispose of potential attractants including pet waste and fallen fruit and vegetables from your yard. Always keep food stored away in sturdy containers. Check that bins, compost and rubbish are tightly sealed and secured. Keep pet food and water bowls indoors or covered properly. If you have outdoor dining areas, make sure that they are clean and there are no food scraps or spills.

Regularly inspect and clean less frequented areas

Rodents are clever at finding places to hide away, nest and breed, and it’s usually in places that are not used often, such as sheds, basements and garages. Reduce unwanted items and clutter if possible.

Professional possum and rodent removal from your roof space

At Allstate, we understand how confusing it can be to tell the difference between possums and rodents when it comes to pests in the roof. In fact, it’s possible to have both of them up at the same time, just to add to the chaos!

That’s why having a professional inspection is the best way to go. At Allstate, our technicians understand the characteristics of rodent and possum behaviour to come up with a government-compliant treatment plan that offers long-lasting protection

Humane possum removal

We’ll identify and seal off entry points to your roof and set out a trap to capture all the pesky possums that are nesting in your roof. From here, they’ll be safely moved to their new home, which is a cosy box set up on a nearby tree.

Possum removal permits

Getting rid of possums isn’t quite as simple as setting up a DIY trap, as they are considered to be protected wildlife in South Australia

At Allstate, our technicians have a Trap and Release Permit issued by the Department for Environment and Heritage. This means that we have permission to catch possums and relocate them within a 50 metre radius.

Rodent prevention

Similar to possum removal, we resolve rodent outbreaks by proofing off potential access points inside your roof. Our technicians will then install a rodent baiting system around your property

We use lockable, tamper-proof bait stations which contain a targeted rodenticide. These are safe to be used in the presence of children and pets.

We will regularly monitor and replenish these bait stations to make sure that the outbreak is managed quickly, but you’ll often need to wait for up to 2 weeks to start noticing a significant reduction.

Commercial and industrial integrated pest management programs

At Allstate, we make it easy for busy facility managers to keep all pests away from your business, including possums and rodents. For over 35 years, we have used a proven approach to successfully keep pests out of commercial and industrial facilities of all sizes. You can stay compliant with health and safety standards with our up-to-date pest control technology.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive integrated pest management programs

Choose Allstate for effective and long-lasting protection from possums and rodents

For many of us, hearing possums and rodents causing a racket in your roof can be an unnecessary distraction, especially around bedtime!

To minimise the disruption to you and your family, our technicians are fully equipped to tackle any possum and rodent outbreaks in all suburbs of Adelaide, for residential, commercial and industrial settings.

Available 24/7 for urgent callouts, we use modern, humane innovative treatments that are compliant to council regulations and non-toxic to children, pets and the environment.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and competitive warranties on all our services, plus payment plans if needed. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for fast and long lasting solutions to any of your possum and rodent problems today.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SILVERFISH CONTROL

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SILVERFISH CONTROL

by | Feb 2, 2024 | Pests

They live up to 6 years, thrive in tough environments, and have an appetite for many household items. Silverfish feed on everything from pantry staples such as grains and cereals to paper, fabric, and furniture, making your home or business the perfect haven for them to feed and breed.

Avoid falling victim to a silverfish outbreak by following our tips and tricks in this Hivemind article on silverfish control.

What questions will this article answer?

What is a silverfish?

Known for their fish-like scales, silverfish are segmented insects that grow 2-18mm in length, have antennae flat in shape with a wider head and tapered rear, and while they are often silver in colour, they can also be bronze, gold or even brown. They are usually covered in fine hairs, and have weak jaws, but strong chewing teeth.

Silverfish have long lifespans and can live for up to 6 years, with females laying up to 60 eggs at a time.

Why are there silverfish in my house?

With a reputation for surviving in tough environments, silverfish are clever at seeking discreet places to shelter and breed. Your home or business can offer them the perfect opportunity to thrive if you let them!

They are attracted to moist and humid environments, such as your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, basement, roof void, cupboards, around soft furnishings, inside windows and door frames, and behind skirting boards. You can also find them around pipes and drains.

Silverfish have an appetite for sugary, starchy or polysaccharide-rich products, so they have plenty of food sources in your home. From pantry staples such as dried grains, rice, pasta and cereals to natural or synthetic fabrics such as wool, cotton, silk and rayon, silverfish can quickly scavenge for food.

They will also eat paper-based items such as photographs and books, as well as timber and plaster. You might even notice them chewing at wood-based musical instruments and piano felt. It’s vital to know silverfish control tips and silverfish treatment methods.

Prevent silverfish fast. Speak to our expert team now.

or

8371 1277

Problems caused by silverfish

A few silverfish here and there won’t usually cause too many issues. However, if this progresses to a full-blown outbreak, you may experience the following problems in your home or business:

Food contamination

Attracted to sugary and starchy food, silverfish can help themselves to your pantry items before you’ve tried them yourself.

Damage to your belongings

With an appetite for paper-based items and fabrics, silverfish can destroy household items such as books, photographs, artwork, clothing, furniture, curtains and other precious items.

Allergy/asthma triggers

Some people may develop health problems after encountering silverfish droppings and moulted outer skins.

Trouble controlling outbreaks

Given their small size, silverfish can avoid treatment by hiding and laying eggs in hard-to-reach places such as tiny holes, gaps, cracks and crevices

Messy droppings and skins

Having silverfish droppings and moulted skins scattered around your home and business means you may need to clean more often.

Signs of a silverfish outbreak

Here are some ways to tell if you have a silverfish infestation on your hands:

You notice more silverfish

Particularly at night, as they are nocturnal.

Your belongings are damaged

Although they have weak jaws, silverfish can still chew through food sources layer by layer. If you notice tears and holes in clothes, furniture and paper-based products, you could have a silverfish outbreak on your hands.

You spot droppings

Silverfish leave behind round, dark droppings that resemble peppercorns.

Shedded skins are lying around

Like many insects, silverfish grow and moult their outer skin casing throughout their lives. Look for discarded skins accumulating around your home. Often, these can break down into yellowish-coloured flakes or dust.

Protect your home from silverfish damage. Speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

How to prevent a silverfish infestation

Like cockroaches, silverfish can survive for a long time without food and can be hard to remove once their colony is established.

We recommend keeping your house clean and tidy to remove eggs and traces of starch particles that attract silverfish. Remember to dust, vacuum, sweep, and mop underneath furniture and heavy appliances, and include less frequented areas such as storage rooms. Consider steam cleaning furniture where possible.

Here are eight more tips to prevent silverfish:

  1.  Remove unnecessary clutter such as boxes, paper stacks and laundry.

     

  2. Keep clothes and fabric items, especially those not worn often, stored away in wardrobes, drawers, and closets. Mothballs are an effective silverfish deterrent in these areas.

     

  3. Consider storing precious fabric items, photos, and books in tightly sealed bags and boxes.

     

  4. Reducing the moisture in your home can also make it less inviting for silverfish. You can use dehumidifiers and fans in damp areas and keep windows open.

     

  5. Dry foods, particularly those with a high sugar or starch content, should be stored in your pantry and tightly sealed in containers to reduce moisture.

     

  6. Regularly inspect your home for entry points, roof voids and other hiding spots. Silverfish hide in tiny cracks, crevices, gaps, and holes, which you should seal with caulking. Remember, their natural habitat is in soil and under stones in the garden.

     

  7. Yard maintenance can also help reduce the number of hiding spots for silverfish outdoors. Clear away piles of vegetation, decaying plants, and wood.

     

  8. Natural deterrents that give off an unpleasant smell to these wingless insects include cedar oil, which can be mixed with water in a spray bottle, and dried bay leaves, which can be scattered around your home.

    Known for their destructive feeding habits, adult silverfish can cause a severe problem in large numbers, damaging household items such as books, photographs, or paintings

    DIY silverfish removal

    You can purchase indoor and outdoor pesticide sprays from hardware stores and apply these to all affected areas. This includes window sills, door frames, air vents, inside cupboards, behind and underneath furniture, fixtures and appliances. Don’t forget the air vents and gutters outside. Pay attention to tiny gaps, holes, cracks and crevices.

    Adhesive silverfish traps, also available from hardware stores, can be helpful in areas of concern.

    For suitable fabrics, washing in hot water and using the hottest setting in the dryer can help destroy silverfish and their eggs. Freezing delicate textiles and paper-based items in tightly sealed plastic bags will also manage silverfish.

    For professional silverfish removal advice, speak to an expert today

    or

    8371 1277

    Professional silverfish prevention

    With the ability to hide away and lay eggs, and a lifespan of around six years, silverfish can be tricky to manage. If needed, we offer ongoing pest control to ensure that your home or business stays silverfish-free for the long term.

    Our technicians will always begin by conducting a thorough inspection to identify possible entry points and nesting areas.

    For a targeted approach to resolve any outbreaks, Allstate uses a combination of the following proven treatment methods:

    Pesticide sprays

    Applied to affected areas, aerosol sprays can control silverfish outbreaks quickly.

    Silverfish control dust

    Control dust, such as diatomaceous earth, sprinkled in hard-to-reach areas, including wall cavities, gaps, and crevices, can deter silverfish from breeding and building nests there.

    Fumigation

    Fumigation may be necessary to destroy all nests during widespread and severe outbreaks. Our technicians are trained to take precautions and ensure the safety of your family and pets during this treatment.

    Choose Allstate for fast and reliable silverfish removal

     

    Seeing silverfish crawling around and damaging your belongings can be stressful and frustrating, but thankfully it’s possible to manage them fast with help from professional pest control.

    At Allstate, our technicians are highly trained in silverfish behaviour and fully equipped to tackle outbreaks of all sizes in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With 24/7 availability for urgent callouts to all suburbs of Adelaide, we’ve had experience preventing silverfish infestations for over 35 years.

    We take all precautions in pest control for silverfish to keep you and your family safe with indoor treatments. We only use non-toxic products that are safe for children, pets, and the environment.

    All our silverfish control services are backed by competitive warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can also use our payment plans to remove any silverfish problems around your home or business as quickly as possible.

    Our expert team is ready to help you now

    or

    8371 1277

    HOW TO AVOID COCKROACH INFESTATION

    HOW TO AVOID COCKROACH INFESTATION

    by | Jan 8, 2024 | Pests

    HOW TO AVOID COCKROACH INFESTATION

    Though they are small, cockroaches are experts at carrying and spreading germs and diseases from one place to another. This can potentially pose a huge problem not just in your home, but also if you are running a commercial business. Don’t get caught out by a sneaky cockroach outbreak over the upcoming holiday season. We have some tips to help you keep cockroaches away for good.

    What questions will this article answer?

    Why you need to avoid a cockroach outbreak

    Although they don’t bite humans, cockroaches are able to transmit a range of nasty diseases and germs from one place to another.

    This is because they live and feed in sewers, rubbish bins and other unsanitary places which are brimming with bacteria, viruses and parasites. These harmful organisms can accumulate and then be passed on through cockroach droppings and saliva. Some can even hitchhike to other places by latching onto the cockroach’s legs.

    If you happen to ingest food or drink that has been in contact with a cockroach, it could well be contaminated and cause potentially serious illness. This is particularly problematic not just for homes, but also for hospitality businesses.

    Get fast cockroach treatment today, speak to our expert team

    or

    8371 1277

    Problems caused by cockroaches

    Skilled at surviving in different environments, cockroaches can be just as comfortable living in your rubbish bin as they are in your pantry or bathroom. However, this means that they can contaminate once-sterile surfaces and places and cause a wide range of illnesses and diseases. This includes diarrhoea, food poisoning, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and leprosy.

    With sharp teeth and strong jaws, they can chew through plastic, fabric, furniture, books and leather goods.

    Cockroach droppings also contain pheromones which attract more cockroaches to the same area.

    Some people may even experience allergic reactions to cockroach droppings, shed skins, and saliva. Those with asthma may need to take extra precautions.

    How to identify a cockroach outbreak

    While it’s common to notice an odd cockroach here and there, this can also be a sign that there are many more hiding away quietly. Here’s how to tell if you have a full-blown infestation on your hands:

    You notice cockroaches in the daytime

    As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches usually only prefer to roam around at night. However, if you notice them at other times, this could indicate that you have an outbreak.

    Droppings

    If you’re consistently seeing tiny black granules that resemble coffee grounds scattered around, these could be cockroach droppings.

    A musty odour

    Cockroach droppings leave behind an unpleasant smell.

    Egg capsules

    While they vary in shape between species, they are usually tan, black or brown coloured and shaped like a pill.

    Shed skin

    As cockroaches grow, they will shed their outer skin and leave it behind. In the event of an outbreak, this would be a common sighting.

    How to prevent a cockroach infestation

    We recommend keeping cockroaches out of your home or business in the first place, as well as reducing available food sources and hiding spots.

    Cockroaches will eat almost anything, including meat and vegetables, sweet or greasy foods, paper, leather and fabric. This means that it’s important to keep all food tightly stored away and ensuring that your kitchen and dining areas are clean. Wipe away spills and grease, wash cutlery and keep sinks and drains clear. Practice good hygiene when handling food. Clean tables and benches as well after use. Don’t forget to tightly seal and cover rubbish and discard pet waste.

    Regular building maintenance also plays a key role in keeping cockroaches away. Being small and flat, they can crawl through small gaps to gain entry, so you’ll need to carefully check for all potential entry points and seal them with gap filler or expanding foam.

    Leaking pipes and drains create a damp environment for cockroaches to thrive, so we suggest checking for leaks and repairing them as quickly as possible.

    Manage cockroaches for good, speak to an expert today

    or

    8371 1277

    Professional cockroach treatment

    In the event of an outbreak, it’s best to call in the experts to get the problem under control fast, and to stop it from happening again.

    We use the following methods to prevente a cockroach infestation.

    Cockroach insecticide

    We apply this to the perimeters of the building to stop cockroaches from entering inside, as well as to established nesting areas.

    Cockroach control dust

    For access to hard-to-reach places, such as voids, cracks and crevices, we sprinkle tiny insecticide granules to encourage cockroaches out of the hiding spots. You may initially notice an increase in the number of cockroaches as a result.

    Gel baits

    Bait stations containing an insecticide gel can be strategically positioned at well-known feeding sites.

    Pest Management Programs for businesses

    To help our commercial and industrial clients to prevent cockroach outbreaks and meet their health and safety requirements, we offer a cost-effective integrated pest management service. This includes routine pest inspections, as well as an online reporting portal to access reports, records and trends at any time.

    Speak to one of our friendly customer service consultants to learn more about our pest management services for businesses.

    Choose Allstate for fast and effective cockroach extermination

    At Allstate, we understand that the last thing anyone needs is an outbreak of cockroaches in your home or business while you’ve been away for holidays. But thankfully, with the right treatment, you can have the problem under control quickly.

    Since 1986, we have been providing pest control services to all suburbs of Adelaide. With a 24/7 availability, our highly trained team can provide advice for urgent enquiries in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Rest assured that our treatments are non-toxic to children, pets and the environment.

    All our services come with competitive warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We can even provide finance options so that you can easily access our effective cockroach managion treatments without delay.

    Our expert team is ready to help you now

    or

    8371 1277